You can send blue bubble messages to other iOS users using the iPhone’s iMessage capability.
This includes users of iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches, and MacBooks. If the same conversations then show up on a tablet you share, you can stop text messages from going to your iPad.
It is possible, however, that messages that should be sent as iMessages are being transmitted as text messages, which could be due to your device’s iMessage option being turned off.
On an iPhone, you can enable iMessage by going to Settings > Apps > Messages (or Settings > Messages on iOS 17 and earlier) and then tapping the iMessage switch.
Enabling iMessage on an iPhone
- Choose Settings.
- Choose Messages.
- Enable iMessage.
Our article continues below with more information, including screenshots, on how to enable iMessage on iPhone 13.
Related: This group messaging guide will show you how to enable that option if you would like to take part in text message conversations with multiple people.
You can send two types of messages through your iPhone’s Messages app.
For one type of communication, known as a short messaging service (SMS) message, a green bubble will emerge.
With the other type of message, known as an iMessage, a blue bubble will emerge.
Text messages are often provided to people who possess other devices, such as Android smartphones, but iMessages are typically delivered to people who own Apple devices.
But, if you are sending texts to someone you know has an iPhone and the messages look green, it is possible that your iPhone’s iMessage feature is turned off.
Fortunately, you may change this setting right away by modifying a setting in the Messages menu.
iMessage Activation on an iPhone Video
How to Activate the iMessage Service on an iPhone
The procedures in this post were performed on an iPhone 13 running iOS 16. These methods are also compatible with the iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and the vast majority of other iPhone models and iOS versions.
Step 1: Find the Settings app icon on your Home screen and tap it to open the menu.
Step 2: Scroll down, tap Apps, and choose Messages. On iOS 17 and earlier, Messages is in the main Settings list.
Step 3: To enable iMessage, tap the button beside it.
The iPhone iMessage option is enabled when there is green shading surrounding the button, as shown in the figure below.
You can ensure that this feature is enabled anytime your iPhone sends an iMessage as a text message now that you know how to enable iMessage on iPhone 13.
If iMessage says “Waiting for activation”
Apple lists these steps when iMessage won’t turn on:
- Make sure the iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and check that your time zone is correct.
- Install the latest iOS in Settings > General > Software Update.
- Make sure your plan can send SMS texts. Activating your phone number sends a text to Apple, and your carrier may charge for it.
- Turn off iMessage and FaceTime, restart the iPhone, and turn them back on.
Activation can take up to 24 hours. If a spinning icon appears next to your number, the iPhone is still trying, so there’s no need to keep switching iMessage off and on.
Blue, green, and RCS messages
- Blue bubbles are iMessages, sent over the internet to other Apple devices.
- Green bubbles are SMS, MMS or RCS messages, usually to Android phones. RCS adds features like typing indicators and better photos, and is turned on in Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging when your carrier supports it.
More Information on iMessage
If you wish to disable iMessage at any time, you can do it in the same manner.
To turn off iMessage on your iPhone, go to Settings, Apps, Messages, and finally, the button next to iMessage.
When you enable the iMessage setting in the Messages menu, a Send & Receive button may appear beneath it.
The ability to send and receive messages by email rather than by phone number is a useful feature of the iMessage service.
When you open the menu, you’ll discover the following sections:
Start new conversations from Checkmarks will display to the left of the various phone numbers or email addresses to indicate whether or not that organization can be used.
Another option in the Messages menu worth noticing is “Send as SMS.”
Your iPhone may occasionally be unable to send an iMessage. If you select this option, the iPhone will attempt to deliver iMessages as SMS rather than iMessages. This is useful if you want to ensure that the message reaches the intended recipient regardless of what happens.
Frequently asked questions
Does iMessage cost money?
No. iMessage is free, but it uses Wi-Fi or your cellular data. Activating it with your phone number may send one SMS, which your carrier could charge for.
Why are my messages to an iPhone sending as green texts?
iMessage may be off on your iPhone or theirs, or one of you may have no data connection. Check that iMessage is on in Settings, then try again.
Can I use iMessage without a SIM card?
Yes, with your Apple Account email address instead of a phone number. Choose it under Send & Receive.
Do I need Wi-Fi to use iMessage?
No. iMessage works over Wi-Fi or cellular data. Without either connection, your iPhone can send the message as a regular SMS text instead if Send as Text Message is turned on in Messages settings.
Does iMessage use my data plan?
Yes, when you aren’t on Wi-Fi. Text messages use very little data, but photos and videos can use more.
Related: How to create a group text on iPhone.
Related: how to share a contact by text message on iPhone.
Related: How to Show Contact Photos in Messages on iPhone.
Related: How to Remove the Subject Field from Text Messages on iPhone.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.